Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which disrupts lives and acts as a barrier to potential. Seek a diagnosis to get proper treatment. 

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? 

Dr Ivan Murray: It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that shapes how people process information. Broadly, it’s characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that can interfere with how a person functions in their day-to-day life. It typically starts presenting in childhood. 

Does ADHD affect males more than females? 

Dr Ivan Murray: That used to be the thinking because there are physical components to ADHD, which boys often display that are easier to spot, including over-activity and impulsivity. However, there are also psychological components — including disorganisation, inattention and distractibility — which are easier to miss and more likely to manifest in girls. Thankfully, more girls and women are coming forward for diagnosis now. 

What can be the impact if ADHD remains undiagnosed? 

Dr Lisa Maloney: ADHD can be a barrier to potential because those with the condition can find it difficult to function under increased pressure, more responsibility or changing environments. That can lead to anxiety and depression, higher risks of academic failure, relationship difficulties and emotional challenges that can persist into adulthood. People with ADHD are also more likely to develop substance misuse disorders. Thankfully, life-changing treatment is available. 

If you are concerned, our
advice is: get a diagnosis.

What are some treatment examples? 

Dr Lisa Maloney: We can discuss options with patients, including medication. We also offer personalised non-medication strategies. For example, we have an occupational therapist who helps develop time management and organisational skills; psychologists to support those with more complex mental health needs; a study skills coach to help improve concentration and memory; life coaches who can help patients set and reach personal goals; and a mindfulness therapist. 

Is 2025 a promising year for people with ADHD? 

Dr Ivan Murray: Yes. We’ve seen a difference in our clinic because there’s more awareness now. There’s also far less stigma, particularly among young people. Plus, there are always advances in medications and treatment strategies, which can make a real difference for patients. So, if you are concerned, our advice is: get a diagnosis. 

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The HSE Enhanced Community Care Programme (ECC) was launched across Ireland in 2021 with a view to delivering a more sustainable, community-focused model of healthcare for patients, including patients with chronic disease.

What care is being delivered in the community?

The Irish Health Service is supporting patients to prevent and improve their management of chronic disease (ie. type 2 diabetes, COPD and asthma and cardiovascular conditions, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure) in their community through services delivered by new Community Specialist teams for chronic disease. 

Twenty-six community-based chronic disease specialist multidisciplinary teams have been established across the country. Each team is led by Integrated Care Consultants in diabetes, respiratory and cardiology.

This service adds an extra layer of care in the community. It supports GPs’ care for people with more complex chronic disease and multi-morbidity, by giving patients timely access to specialist advice and intervention, as close to home as possible. In 2024, over 357,000 patient contacts were recorded across 26 community specialist teams in Ireland. 

Move to person-centred care

These services drive early diagnosis, early intervention, self-management support and proactive management of chronic disease to enable patients to live well in the community and to support delivery of care at the lowest clinically appropriate level of complexity in line with the Sláintecare vision.

These multidisciplinary CD-CSTs with expertise across cardiology, respiratory and endocrinology can flex to meet the specific clinical needs of each patient. For people living with a chronic illness, it means getting the support they need through timely diagnosis, treatment and support to manage their health.

This service adds an extra layer
of care in the community.

Our focus is on keeping patients well in their own communities and providing care in the right place and time that meets their clinical needs, in line with the Sláintecare vision. These multidisciplinary teams with expertise in cardiology, respiratory and endocrinology can flex to meet the specific clinical needs of each patient.

The HSE remains committed to delivering community-based integrated care and supporting people to live well across communities.

How do patients access these teams?

If you are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and/or type 2 diabetes, talk to your GP about the Chronic Disease Management Programme. To learn more, search ‘HSE Chronic Disease Management Programme.’

Chronic disease specialist multidisciplinary teams can be accessed via GP referral in line with the national referral guidelines.

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Hay fever affects one in five people in Ireland and can seriously impact those with asthma. Learn how to manage symptoms and reduce your exposure this pollen season.

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition where the nasal passages become inflamed due to exposure to normally harmless substances like pollen, dust mites or pet fur. Over 80% of people with asthma have hay fever, and the substances that trigger hay fever can provoke asthma flare-ups. Moreover, hay fever increases the risk of developing asthma.

Common hay fever symptoms

Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion or a runny nose, red or watery eyes and an itchy throat or ears. Post-nasal drip, headaches, fatigue and a reduced sense of smell or taste are also frequent complaints. These can impact sleep, concentration and overall quality of life. For athletes, those working outdoors and students taking exams at this time of year, hay fever can be particularly troublesome.

Managing hay fever

Key tips for reducing exposure to allergens include:

• Avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count is high.
• Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to avoid pollen getting in your eyes. Splash your eyes with cold water to help flush out pollen and soothe them.
• Minimise contact with pets that have been outside.
• Try to stay away from grassy areas and avoid mowing the lawn.
• Avoid drying clothes outside.
• Apply a gel/barrier to the nostrils to prevent pollen from settling in the nose.
• Discuss treatments for hay fever with your GP or pharmacist.

The Asthma Society of Ireland has a range of resources available at asthma.ie, as well as a three-day pollen forecast to help you stay one step ahead of hay fever this summer. A dedicated nurse specialist is ready to answer any questions you might have about asthma and hay fever, providing advice about symptoms, management and potential treatments.

The post Relief from hay fever starts here: resources, tips and expert help appeared first on Health News.

Asthma can make exercise feel challenging, but staying active is key to better health. Our expert team is here to help you move safely and feel more in control.

Living with asthma doesn’t mean giving up on an active lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting out or already active, asthma can make exercise feel daunting — especially if you’ve recently had a flare-up. Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and your lungs.

Exercise helps improve lung capacity, boosts energy levels and can even reduce asthma symptoms over time. The key is finding the right support and strategies to help you move safely and confidently.

You’re not alone: we’re here to help

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our specialist asthma nurse and physiotherapist are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need help managing symptoms, learning proper breathing techniques or creating a personalised exercise plan, we’re ready to support you wherever you are on your journey.

Every person’s asthma is different,
and that’s why tailored advice matters.

Expert support that makes a difference

Every person’s asthma is different, and that’s why tailored advice matters. By calling our free Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64, you’ll speak directly with experts who understand the challenges of exercising with asthma and can help you overcome them.

From walking to the shops without fear to training for a marathon with confidence, every tip and technique we share can make a real difference. You don’t have to wait until you feel 100% — we’re here to help you start right now.

What our team can offer you

• Tips for managing asthma and exercise
• Safe exercise plans for all fitness levels
• Breathing techniques to help manage asthma and anxiety
• Advice on medication use during physical activity
• Environmental and lifestyle tips to avoid triggers
• Strategies for staying active after a flare-up

This summer, take the first step towards a more active, confident life with asthma. Call 1800 44 54 64 today because with the right help, you can breathe easier and live more fully.

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Virtual reality (VR) therapy provides a promising, cost-effective way to support patients with chronic pain issues, according to Niall O’Driscoll, CEO of immersive therapeutic platform ShineVR.

Can you put Ireland’s chronic pain crisis into perspective? 

One study, involving our partner Professor Brian McGuire of the Centre of Pain Research in Galway, says that chronic pain affects 35% of the population at an annual cost of €5.34 billion, which is more than cancer and heart disease combined. This isn’t unique to Ireland. Globally, chronic pain is a huge, complex, debilitating challenge. Plus, long-term treatment with opioids is problematic. 

Are there other pain management options? 

Already approved by the FDA in the US, studies have shown that VR can reduce a person’s perception of pain and the level of pharmacological input they need. So, we are launching the world’s first scalable, personalised, AI VR therapy platform specifically to support people living with chronic pain. This Chronic Pain Distraction programme, which follows our Stress Reduction programme, is designed to give immediate relief to patients suffering from chronic pain; this will be followed by CBT-based programmes for longer-term relief. 

How does VR therapy work? 

It’s simple to use. Wearing a VR headset, patients can choose from different immersive environments, such as a lakeside scene, a meadow and a forest. They can then join various activities, including diaphragmatic breathing exercises — where patients can see a visual representation of their own breath — to reduce the physiological signs of stress. Essentially, the part of the brain that would normally be receiving pain signals is distracted by an immersive audiovisual experience. 

Globally, chronic pain is a huge,
complex, debilitating challenge.

What have the results been? 

We piloted the technology with a chronic pain patient. It resulted in no pain perception during use and an average of 33% reduction in pain perception after use over a year. We’ve also been working with Ann Marie Kiernan, a pain management expert, on a VR therapy institutional trial with around 400 patients, where we are seeing pain scores reduce by nearly 50% as measured before and after use. 

What are the cost benefits? 

Healthcare providers can offer access to VR therapy for €1.88 per week, versus €8.16 per week for standard medication. To complement our inpatient use of a VR headset, we’ve also designed a cost-effective ‘Smartphone VR’ version for outpatient use. 

What is the future of VR therapy for chronic pain? 

We’re creating a series of VR cognitive behavioural therapy-style courses that train people to manage pain more effectively. We’re also using AI to personalise the VR experience for each patient. As we roll the solution out, we work closely with healthcare providers to find ways to improve it. 

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Prof Stephen R Pennington

Professor of Proteomics, Senior Fellow, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin and Co-lead, HIPPOCRATES project

Learn about HPOS (HIPPOCRATES Prospective Observational Study), an online study which aims to monitor the progression of psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

The HPOS study hopes to find ways to prevent the development of PsA in the future. Participants who are over 18 and diagnosed with psoriasis, but not with PsA, are asked to complete questionnaires every six months.

Monitored psoriasis study recruitment

Participants’ progress is monitored for three years. Those who develop potential symptoms of PsA are informed about their risks and receive a recommendation to seek appropriate medical assessment. Some participants might be invited to take part in optional remote blood sampling for studying biomarkers. More than 1,900 Irish people with psoriasis have already registered to participate in HPOS, and the study is still recruiting.

Psoriasis affects around 60 million
people worldwide, and at least
73,000 individuals in Ireland.

Psoriasis, PsA risks and underdiagnosis

Psoriasis affects around 60 million people worldwide, and at least 73,000 individuals in Ireland. It is a chronic, genetic, inflammatory skin condition, affecting both sexes equally. There is currently no cure. Psoriasis also increases the risk of developing PsA, with about 30% of psoriasis patients developing PsA. PsA symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, loss of joint function, lack of sleep and general fatigue. A diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of awareness about PsA.

EU PsA research partnership

HIPPOCRATES is an ambitious European public-private partnership. Its goals are: the identification of specific PsA disease biomarkers to aid early diagnosis and prediction of which people with psoriasis will develop PsA; the monitoring and prevention of PsA disease progression; and the identification of personalised treatments. The team is made up of 27 organisations in 11 countries. These include universities, pharmaceutical industry partners, small companies and patient representative organisations, all with the aligned ambition of addressing the key challenges of PsA. Led by investigators at University College Dublin, HIPPOCRATES is a five-year project which started in 2021 and received €22.4 million in funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI; recently renamed IHI).

This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101007757. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.

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Norma Caples

Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Heart Failure

A diagnosis of heart failure can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and information, it is possible to live well.

Heart failure doesn’t mean your entire heart is failing. It means your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should, which can lead to fluid building up. This can cause symptoms like breathlessness, tiredness or sudden weight gain.

Telephone-based heart support

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Connect Service offers telephone-based support that complements your usual medical care. It helps people cope with the emotional side of heart failure and gives simple, practical advice on managing symptoms, taking medications, eating well and knowing when to ask for help. It also helps people find local and community support.

Structured care pathways for heart failure

As healthcare pathways improve, your healthcare team may depend on how stable your condition is. Those most unwell may start in hospital, then move to specialist clinics, integrated care and finally, to GP care. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure but haven’t attended a heart failure clinic, ask your GP about a referral to your local clinic or Integrated Care Hub for a full review of your condition and treatment.

The Chronic Disease Management Programme offers six-monthly check-ups at the GP practice for those with a medical card or GP visit card. This service is for adults over 45 with certain conditions, including heart failure. These structured visits support early detection and long-term health.

Heart failure doesn’t mean your entire
heart is failing. It means your heart
isn’t pumping blood as well as it should.

Day-to-day self-checks and symptom awareness

That’s where the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Take 3 Beats’ tool comes in. It’s a simple way to stay on top of your heart failure. Each day, ask yourself: (1) Have I taken my medication? (2) Have I weighed myself? (3) How am I feeling today?

Noticing changes in your weight, breathing, energy or mood can help catch early signs of fluid buildup. If you’re concerned, call your heart failure clinic or GP. Acting early can help prevent hospital stays and keep you well. You’re not alone. With tools like Take 3 Beats and support from the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Connect Service, living well with heart failure isn’t just possible; it’s the goal.

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis, are among the most common bacterial infections in women worldwide. Unfortunately, for many, it can become a frustrating and painful cycle.

More than half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and up to 30% will go on to have another. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs. However, their overuse is contributing to a growing global health crisis: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR threat demands better UTI management

Repeated antibiotic exposure promotes the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats. By 2050, antimicrobial-resistant infections could claim more lives annually than cancer — a sobering reminder of the urgent need to rethink how we manage recurrent UTIs.

Why the bowel matters in bladder health

The connection between the bowel and bladder might not be immediately obvious, but it is crucial to understanding and preventing UTIs. Over 90% of uncomplicated cystitis cases are caused by pathogens, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which naturally reside in the bowel. These bacteria can migrate from the anal area to the urinary tract, where they can cause a cystitis infection.

This movement of bacteria highlights why targeting the bowel — rather than just the bladder — can be an effective strategy for preventing cystitis.

The connection between the bowel and bladder
might not be immediately obvious, but it is
crucial to understanding and preventing UTIs.

A unique, antibiotic-free strategy

One innovative approach involves the use of mucoprotectants — substances that form a protective barrier in the gut, helping to reduce the adhesion of harmful bacteria to the intestinal wall. Xyloglucan, a plant-derived mucoprotectant, works in this way to limit the growth and migration of E. coli from the bowel to the urinary tract.

Supporting natural ingredients — hibiscus and propolis — work in the bladder by mildly acidifying the urine, making it less hospitable to bacteria. This helps the body clear the infection and reduces urinary discomfort. When combined, these ingredients have been shown to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrent cystitis.

Benefits of novel UTI approach

These benefits are supported by the 2025 European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines, which state: ‘A combination of xyloglucan, hibiscus and propolis is effective in relieving acute cystitis symptoms and preventing recurrence.’

By also focusing on the gut, this novel treatment can help break the cycle of recurrent UTIs and reduce the use of antibiotics. For women seeking a new way forward, science is pointing to the bowel as a smart place to start.

The post Cystitis: why treating the bowel could be the key to a healthier bladder appeared first on Health News.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent but frequently underdiagnosed medical condition impacting an estimated 17% of the adult population in Europe.

Defined by the International Continence Society as ‘urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia,’ OAB disrupts daily routines and quality of life for millions.

This condition also affects approximately 5–10% of children, may occur with enuresis (bedwetting) and is often part of an overall complex of dysfunction with both voiding and stooling. Many childhood cases resolve and can respond well to bladder retraining, behavioural therapy and physiotherapy, prior to resorting to medication.

Understanding overactive bladder symptoms

Urgency — the sudden, compelling need to urinate — is the cornerstone symptom of OAB. This may be accompanied by urge incontinence, where leakage occurs before reaching the bathroom, as well as frequent urination and nocturia (waking up at night to urinate). Notably, individuals may also experience mixed urinary incontinence, which includes both urge and stress symptoms, though this is not classified under OAB syndrome.

OAB typically results from detrusor overactivity, where the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily during filling. This can stem from neurological conditions or be idiopathic (without an identifiable cause). Diagnosis does not always require invasive testing; however, urodynamic studies, cystoscopy (camera into the bladder) or imaging may be necessary if symptoms are severe, atypical or resistant to treatment.

Conservative management is the first
line of treatment and includes
lifestyle modifications.

Approaches to OAB treatment

Conservative management is the first line of treatment and includes lifestyle modifications such as reducing fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and practising bladder retraining. When behavioural strategies fall short, pharmacological therapies — particularly antimuscarinic agents — are employed.

Antimuscarinic drugs can help control bladder contractions but often lead to side effects like dry mouth, constipation and drowsiness, contributing to low patient adherence. There are also newer treatments that offer alternative mechanisms with potentially fewer side effects. In refractory cases, advanced options like botulinum toxin injections or sacral nerve stimulation are considered. These approaches have shown promising outcomes, though cost and access remain challenges.

Timely care can improve quality of life

With effective treatments available, awareness and timely diagnosis of OAB are crucial. Individuals experiencing symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. Addressing this condition can significantly improve physical comfort, emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.

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Dr. Wajid Khan 

Consultant in Pain Medicine, UCD Assistant Clinical Professor 

Millions of people worldwide unnecessarily suffer from untreated chronic pain, thought to affect around 20% of the global population. No one should have to suffer in silence. 

Recognising the need for a dedicated specialist pain management, Prof Oleg Ilyinski started with a vision to provide effective evidence-based treatment. Through the years, he built a collaborative team: joining him are Prof Wajid Khan, and subsequently Dr Sven Sommer. The clinic now has a wide network of medical professionals dedicated to providing safe and effective pain management. 

A clinic built on a shared vision 

“A lot of patients suffer from chronic pain and don’t know the cause, what treatment options are available and where to get it,” says Prof Ilyinski. “The gap in access and continuity of care is what drove us to build a more collaborative, multidisciplinary service. We work closely with neurology, spinal surgery, rheumatology and other specialists whenever needed to facilitate the most appropriate management.” 

Evidence-based pain management 

The clinic sees a wide range of chronic conditions, from head and neck, back and facial pain to degenerative issues and fibromyalgia. Most patients are referred by their general practitioner or other specialists. “At the initial consultation, we build a relationship with the patient, set realistic expectations and start the pain management planning process,” says Prof Ilyinski. “We don’t just treat the pain; we address the person behind it,” adds Prof Khan. 

We can’t promise a cure, but no one
should have to suffer in silence.

The clinic utilises clinically approved management options, including medications such as anaesthetic agents, steroids and botox; surgical interventions such as nerve blocks, pulse radiofrequency, neuromodulation with implantable devices; and regenerative medical techniques. These are done together with physiotherapy and psychology. “Each patient is met with a personalised approach, individualised to their specific needs,” continues Prof Khan. 

Improving care and education 

Ireland remains the only EU country to officially recognise pain medicine as a medical specialty. Despite this progress, challenges in pain management persist. Prof Ilyinski, Prof Khan and Dr Sommer aim to continue raising greater awareness and improving the education and management of chronic pain across Ireland. 

“There’s a lack of education around pain, both in the medical community and the public,” says Prof Khan. Yet, using well-established, evidence-based treatments with proven results, the clinic is improving the quality of life of thousands of people living in Ireland, facilitating a much-needed resource for those living with chronic pain. 

“We can’t promise a cure, but no one should have to suffer in silence,” concludes Prof Ilyinski. “There are always ways we can help.” With over 7,000 patients treated to date, feedback has been extremely positive. 

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